Vortioxetine monotherapy for treatment-resistant OCD: evidence from a retrospective multicentre study.
Authors: Martiadis V, Raffone F, Testa S, Iaccarino C, Pessina E, Martini A, Prodi T, Olivola M, Cattaneo CI, De Berardis D, Benatti B, Dell’Osso BM
Journal: European Psychiatry
mental health
psychology
open access
Abstract
Food insecurity (FI) is a global concern, as highlighted by the UN’s Sustainable Development Goal 2 (SDG 2) which aims to end hunger and ensure universal access to safe, nutritious and sufficient food by 2030. Despite ongoing international efforts, the issue of FI has worsened since 2015, exacerbated by a complex interplay of factors, including the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2023, an estimated 28·9 % of the global population – 2·33 billion people – were moderately or severely food insecure. While FI remains a widespread challenge, its prevalence varies across regions and demographic groups. Previous studies have pointed out that certain groups are disproportionally affected by FI, including households with children and individuals with low incomes or those who are unemployed. More recently, FI has emerged as a significant concern among students enrolled in post-secondary institutions. Compared with the general population, university students appear to be at a considerably higher risk, with prevalence estimates consistently indicating that a substantial share of this group is affected. A systematic review by Bruening
reported an average FI prevalence of 42·0 % (range 12·5–84·0 %), based largely on studies employing the USDA’s ten-item Adult Food Security Module. These findings have been reinforced by a more recent systematic review and meta-analysis by McKay
, which estimated that 42·2 % of students experience FI. While prevalence estimates vary widely across contexts (11·8–98·0 %), the evidence underscores the scale of the problem. The impacts of FI on students are wide-ranging. Behaviours such as skipping meals or reducing portion sizes are often indicators of FI, reflecting the strategies students adopt when food access is limited. In turn, FI has broader consequences for academic outcomes, including missed classes and dropped courses. Besides academic success, FI also impacts mental health outcomes as shown among others by Itani
. They show that in Lebanon a substantial proportion of students experience FI, which is strongly linked to poorer mental health and well-being, underscoring the need for targeted public health interventions. Previous studies have also investigated which factors increase the likelihood of being food insecure among students. These studies show that those from ethnic minority backgrounds and undergraduate programmes, who rely on scholarships or student loans for support, as well as those coming from a household with low educational level (measured via parental educational), are more likely to be affected.
reported an average FI prevalence of 42·0 % (range 12·5–84·0 %), based largely on studies employing the USDA’s ten-item Adult Food Security Module. These findings have been reinforced by a more recent systematic review and meta-analysis by McKay
, which estimated that 42·2 % of students experience FI. While prevalence estimates vary widely across contexts (11·8–98·0 %), the evidence underscores the scale of the problem. The impacts of FI on students are wide-ranging. Behaviours such as skipping meals or reducing portion sizes are often indicators of FI, reflecting the strategies students adopt when food access is limited. In turn, FI has broader consequences for academic outcomes, including missed classes and dropped courses. Besides academic success, FI also impacts mental health outcomes as shown among others by Itani
. They show that in Lebanon a substantial proportion of students experience FI, which is strongly linked to poorer mental health and well-being, underscoring the need for targeted public health interventions. Previous studies have also investigated which factors increase the likelihood of being food insecure among students. These studies show that those from ethnic minority backgrounds and undergraduate programmes, who rely on scholarships or student loans for support, as well as those coming from a household with low educational level (measured via parental educational), are more likely to be affected.